Renovating a rental in The Hills should raise your property’s appeal, not red flags. Yet the fastest way to hit delays and fines is to start work before you confirm who governs your address and which approvals you need. You want a smooth project that protects your investment and keeps you on schedule. This guide walks you through the local steps that matter in The Hills so you can renovate confidently and avoid violations. Let’s dive in.
Confirm your property’s jurisdiction
Before you pick finishes, verify who issues your permits. Addresses inside Village of The Hills limits follow village ordinances. Homes outside village limits may fall under Travis County or another city, so your permit path can change.
How to confirm jurisdiction fast
- Use the Travis Central Appraisal District property search to confirm parcel details and taxing authority. Start with the TCAD property search.
- Call Village Hall to confirm whether your address is inside village limits and whether your project needs a village permit or special approval. Use the contacts on the Village City Offices page.
- If the home is not in the village, contact Travis County Development Services for permit guidance.
Permits you may need in The Hills
Projects often require approvals at the village or county level, plus POA review for exterior changes. Always verify specifics before work begins.
Village permits and floodplain rules
If your property sits in a FEMA floodplain, you must obtain a Floodplain Development Permit from the Village. Review the village’s requirements on Floodplain Management and Permitting and plan for elevation certificates and site documentation.
County permits and septic systems
If your address is outside village limits, Travis County handles many remodel, addition, and site permits. Start with Travis County Development Services to determine what applies. If your home uses septic, check the county’s rules for installation, repair, or capacity changes and follow the residential OSSF permit process.
Regulated trades and inspections
Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work must be performed by licensed professionals and will require inspections. Verify licenses through the state before hiring and confirm who will pull permits. You can check license status through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation’s electrical contractor guidance.
Exterior and site changes that often trigger permits
Structural changes, additions, finishing attics or garages, larger decks, pools or spas, window and frame replacements, fences, significant grading or retaining walls, driveways, and work in a right of way often need permits. This is typical across nearby jurisdictions, as shown in Bee Cave’s permits and inspections overview. Confirm The Hills or county rules before you begin.
Do not skip The Hills POA review
The Hills Property Owners Association oversees many exterior changes that are visible from the street. You will usually need Architectural Review Committee approval before altering façades, fences, hardscape, exterior paint, pools, or outbuildings.
Where to find POA and ARC information
The Village site points owners to the POA for architectural rules and covenant details. Start on the village’s “Who Do I Contact?” page to reach the POA for ARC forms and guidance: Who Do I Contact?. Getting POA approval before work begins helps you avoid fines or corrective orders.
Planning a short-term rental after renovations
If your renovation sets up a short-term rental, you must register the STR with the Village, meet life-safety and parking standards, and collect and remit hotel occupancy tax. Review the village’s Short-Term Rentals and Hotel Occupancy Tax resources. Check your POA’s leasing rules as well, since association restrictions may be different from municipal rules.
Hire the right pros and coordinate inspections
Licensed trades protect your safety and help you pass inspections the first time. Ask for proof of licensing and insurance, and confirm who will schedule required inspections. If your project affects water or sewer service, connect with Hurst Creek MUD early through the MUD contact page.
Common pitfalls that lead to violations
- Starting work before you confirm jurisdiction and permits. This can lead to stop-work orders and costly rework. Confirm your address on TCAD first.
- Skipping POA/ARC approval for exterior changes. Use the village’s Who Do I Contact? page to reach the POA before you alter anything visible.
- Using unlicensed electricians, plumbers, or HVAC contractors. Verify licensure with TDLR and follow inspection schedules.
- Modifying a septic system without permits. Follow Travis County’s OSSF guidance for applications and inspections.
- Marketing an STR without a village permit or tax setup. Review the village’s STR rules and complete registration first.
Step-by-step checklist for a compliant renovation
- Confirm jurisdiction and parcel details
- Look up your property on the TCAD property search and note the PID and legal description.
- Call the right offices
- If inside village limits, contact Village Hall to confirm which permits apply and ask about any special permits. Use the Village City Offices.
- If outside village limits, call Travis County Development Services.
- Reach out to the POA for ARC rules and applications via Who Do I Contact?.
- Screen for septic and floodplain factors
- If you have septic or are in a flood zone, plan for added documentation and permits. See Floodplain Management and Permitting and the county’s OSSF permit process.
- Hire licensed contractors
- Verify trade licenses with TDLR. Get a written agreement that your contractor will pull permits and arrange inspections.
- Obtain permits before work starts
- Submit complete plans, display permits on site, and schedule required inspections with the village or county.
- Set up rental compliance
- For STRs, complete village registration, life-safety checks, and hotel occupancy tax setup using the STR resources. For longer-term rentals, confirm POA leasing rules and include them in your lease packet.
- Keep everything on file
- Maintain permits, approvals, inspection results, contractor licenses, ARC approvals, and invoices for future reference.
Close out with confidence
When you confirm jurisdiction, secure permits, coordinate POA approvals, and use licensed trades, you protect your timeline and your property value. The right preparation makes inspections straightforward and helps you avoid surprise costs later. If you are weighing which projects add the most value before listing, our team is happy to share local insights and trusted vendor introductions.
If you want help planning a value-boosting renovation and preparing your home for market, connect with Bonnie Altrudo for local guidance tailored to The Hills.
FAQs
What permits are required to renovate a rental in The Hills, TX?
- It depends on jurisdiction. Inside village limits, check Village Hall for project-specific permits and floodplain rules. Outside village limits, contact Travis County Development Services and confirm septic requirements.
How do I confirm if my address is inside Village of The Hills limits?
- Start with the TCAD property search and then call the village using the City Offices contacts to verify.
Do I need POA approval for exterior changes in The Hills?
- Generally yes. The Hills POA oversees many exterior changes through ARC review. Reach the POA via the village’s Who Do I Contact? page before starting work.
What are the rules for short-term rentals in The Hills?
- The Village requires STR registration, life-safety compliance, and hotel occupancy tax collection. Review the village’s STR and hotel tax page and confirm any separate POA leasing restrictions.
Can I renovate a home with a septic system without special permits?
- No. Many septic installations, repairs, or capacity changes require permits and inspections. Follow the county’s residential OSSF permit process and verify if village floodplain rules also apply.
